Billy Elliot the Forum

angelenroute wrote:

accessmenj wrote:BETM will be an even bigger hit when it returns to areas where the audience has had a chance to talk up the show. I'm sure that this is obvious to the tour, and BETM will return after hiatus.

From your keyboard to Stephen Daldry's eyes!

And Sir Elton's! He also has the means to keep it going.

Clearwater is a good example of the big response the show gets returning to the same area. In Tampa it was a big success and I tried to get tickets months ago for Ruth Eckert Hall and way back then it was almost 3/4 sold out. I don,t know why it's only there for 3 shows but an 8 show run would have almost sold out at every show.

I am at McDonalds for lunch before the Mat show. I eat at this "fancy-ass" restaurant because my BETM obsession has drained all my funds, I only have a few Passos left

I am hoping that the folks in the center seats at this Mat show have good bladders, I can not stand it when every one in the row has to stand up during the show. We will see how it goes I guess it all "depends"!!!!

jdmag44 wrote:I am hoping that the folks in the center seats at this Mat show have good bladders, I can not stand it when every one in the row has to stand up during the show. We will see how it goes I guess it all "depends"!!!!

jdmag44 wrote:
I am at McDonalds for lunch before the Mat show. I eat at this "fancy-ass" restaurant because my BETM obsession has drained all my funds, I only have a few Passos left!!

I am in the same boat as you! Between seeing the three shows in Clearwater, and seeing it in other places, I have been working hard to raise the 50p!

Mike

Wednesday 2.00 p.m.

Mitchell....Billy
Jake........Michael
Sam........Tall/Posh Boy

I can ditto my review from last night's performance and add that Mitchell was fantastic! Such a powerhouse that defies what the eye sees.....he can sing, act, and dance. Brother can he dance! The power in his Angry Dance was astounding; the grace in Electricity almost defies description. Jake was the perfect foil as Michael .. they seem to have developed a patter during Expressing Yourself.

The audience (virtually full) was amazing and responded well; even better than last night. They gave Mitchell a lengthy standing ovation after Angry Dance, Dream Ballet (again, no fly by wire), a huge one after Electricity; and the entire ensemble had a lengthy standing ovation after the Finale. The comments on the way out were 100% favorable.

Why only three performances? Clearwater wants a week!!!! We may block the runway at Tampa tomorrow!

kport wrote: They gave Mitchell a lengthy standing ovation after Angry Dance, Dream Ballet (again, no fly by wire), a huge one after Electricity; and the entire ensemble had a lengthy standing ovation after the Finale.

Wow! That's a lot of standing ovations!

Wed. 8.00 p.m.

Ben ..... Billy
Sam .....Michael
Jake......Tall Boy/Posh Boy

Ben rounded out the trio of performances at the Ruth Eckerd Hall this evening, and all I can say is: Wow! He performed as though he were vying to be crowned 'the ultimate professional Billy' at the moment, and his acting has acquired a depth of quality and maturity that touches and inspires. We know that his dancing is outstanding, as it was tonight. He is the 'older Billy' among the quartet, playing the role as the bigger one amongst the other kids, a role last occupied by Kylend. Even when there was a little slip in Dream Ballet, he recovered instantly and carried on without missing a beat (still no aerial flying, I am afraid; word has it that the stage was a tad too small to execute it safely).

Fine performances were turned in by the whole cast. They all seemed to enjoy the audience response. I was sorry not to have the chance to see Drew perform, as I have heard so many glowing things about him; but all the others were fabulous. Special mention has to be made of the audience, which was into the performance from the beginning, and ended it with a standing ovation followed by remaining standing through the entire Finale, something I have not seen before. Each of the three performances were about 90% full (about 2000), with the seats highest up blocked off because of the lighting and sound booth. I would call it a virtual sell-out. There is little doubt Clearwater could have filled the hall for a week, but now it is Richmond's turn to shine. We Floridians can wait for Naples, Jacksonville and West Palm Beach!

Clearwater. Wed Mat.
MITCHELL/JAKE

This is my second time seeing Mitchell and he got to me again. I really like this wonderful new little Billy. Again I was impressed with his acting,so very expressive,so natural. His cute wide eyed expressions along with his little boy singing voice add to the emotional power of the story. He is a very good dancer and really shines where it counts in angry dance and electricity. The crowd loved him and were on their feet many times.

As I was leaving my seat a man in front of me turned and asked "How did you like the show?"
I said I had seen the show many times and that I really liked this new Billy. He gave a big smile and said with great pride "He is my son". He introduced me to his wife. I asked him if he was aware of this forum and he said he was very aware of the forum and how supportive we are of the cast and especially the Billies. I can only imagine how wonderful it must be for the parents of these amazing young Billies to see their child perform.
Later As I headed for the parking lot, I walked by an SUV and noticed it was Mitchell,s dad standing next to it, along with Mitchell. He introduced me to Mitchell and I must say being only a few inches away from him it is striking how very small he is. I was so happy to be able to tell him what a great job he did. What a nice kid and what a nice family. It was a privilege to meet them.

Clearwater Wed Eve
BEN/SAM

Oh Ben. Always a great performance. I never tire of watching him take command of the stage and do a masterful job. I noticed that he did an amazing amount of crossovers with the jump rope and did his signature back flip with a half twist off the piano. His electricity - WOW
Overall Clearwater was a great ride,even if we didn't fly.

Sound like Clearwater was a great run, but the flying rig apparently got lost in transit. I hope it is back in Richmond.

I am definitely looking forward to seeing Ben again soon.